History Of The APAThe American Poolplayers Association was founded in 1979 by professional poolplayers Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart (pictured left). The two men realized the popularity of the sport and knew that, unlike other sports, there was no existing recreational league system. Back then the league was called the National Pool League. The name was changed to American Poolplayers Association (APA) in 1981.
Over the years, the APA Pool League has gone by many names, including The American PoolLeague, Busch Pool League, and Bud Light Pool League. Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart maintain positions on the APA's Board of Directors, and strive to create continued interest and growth in the sport of pool.
Renee Poehlman, (pictured right), has held the position of APA President since April of 1995. As President, she has total responsibility for overseeing the daily operations and future growth of the League. She was appointed to her position by former APA President Terry Bell, when he stepped down to assume a position on the Board Of Directors.
The APA NationallyToday the APA has grown to over 250,000 members. The league boasts more members than all other "national" leagues combined. APA Pool Leagues are administered locally by a network of Franchise Operators. These League Operators conduct weekly leagues in both 8-Ball and 9-Ball team formats. The APA currently has franchise opportunities available in other states for those who wish to be their own boss, and promote the sport of pool.
APA leagues play across the United States and in Canada. Teams compete weekly in 8-Ball and 9-Ball leagues with all teams having the opportunity to advance to the APA's National Team Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada.
At the national level, the APA guarantees more than $1 Million in national tournament prize money. This consists of the APA National Team Championship, the $200,000 APA 8-Ball Classic, the $100,000 APA 9-Ball Shootout, and finally the MiniMania Tournaments, that paid out over $200,000 during the 2005 National Team Championships.
The APA also conducts the U.S. Amateur Championship, the world's most prestigious amateur tournament. It is the only tournament conducted by the APA that is open to members and non-members alike.
The APA in South CarolinaThe South Carolina APA is among the top 3 Amateur Pool Leagues in the world with over 750 teams and over 4000 active members competing weekly in the Greater Charleston area, Summerville, Goose Creek, Ladson, Beaufort, Orangeburg, Santee, Walterboro, Hilton Head, & Hampton. We offer both amateur 8-Ball & 9-Ball Leagues, Double Jeopardy, Junior league, Masters league, and our new Shotgun league using the APA's Equalizer Handicap System where everyone has an equal chance to win.
Teams consist of 5-8 players with a low weekly fee of $30 per team for 8Ball and 9Ball, $48 per team for Double Jeopardy, $24 per week for Top Gun and Shotgun leagues, $16 for Scotch Doubles leagues, plus a $25 annual membership fee. These teams compete in local divisions where the APA Hosting Taverns are grouped geographically to minimize traveling distance. The year is divided into 3 sessions, with each session running between 13 and 17 weeks. Teams may play any day of the week, so it's easy to fit the APA into your schedule.
The Local South Carolina APA offers a $150,000 Local Prize Fund. This includes Tri-annual tournaments held at the conclusion of every session and the annual City Tournament. Winning teams compete for the right to represent South Carolina in Las Vegas at the APA National Team Championships.
